News

The events to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty The King and Her Majesty The Queen Consort will take place over the Coronation Weekend between Saturday 6th May and Monday 8th May 2023.

In Royal Wootton Bassett
As a Royal Town we had hoped to host a Coronation Party in the High Street, closing the road for the day, and having entertainment, fairground-rides, food stalls and the involvement of community groups. We are grateful to several groups and clubs who came forward and wanted to be involved.

From the feedback and comments, we have received at the Town Council, and the limited number of volunteers who have come forward to help, there does not seem to be the appetite for such an event, many residents preferring to host their own street parties, or take advantage of the extra Bank Holiday weekend. In total we only had 13 residents who kindly offered to volunteer at the event, alongside our Town Councillors and Council Team.

Community groups, clubs and events rely on the willingness of residents to get involved and offer their time, without this support then events cannot be run safely. At the Town Council we would like to start to build up a bank of volunteers, “Team Bassett”, that we can call on for events, including ensuring our Christmas Light event each December can take place. If you want to add your name, please email enquiries@royalwoottonbassett.gov.uk

So what is happening?
Many of the pubs and restaurants are planning their own events, so there will be plenty going on across the town, which is great to hear, and I am sure there will be more information to follow, including a Sing for the King event at St Bartholomew’s Church.

Our parks and open spaces may be an ideal spot for you to get together with friends, family and neighbours, and have a picnic, and we would love to see these areas being used for this weekend of celebrations, of course please do take your litter home.
Please follow the website below for all the details about the Coronation Weekend and planning your own Big Lunch.

With support from business sponsors and the Town Council, commemoration coins will be given out at all Primary Schools across the town. And the Coronation flag will fly during that period.

Nationally, the weekend events include;

Saturday 6th May
The Coronation Service at Westminster Abbey
The Coronation Service will take place on the morning of Saturday, 6th May 2023 at Westminster Abbey. The Coronation is a solemn religious service, as well as an occasion for celebration and pageantry.

Sunday 7th May
The Coronation Concert at Windsor Castle
On Sunday, 7th May 2023, a special Coronation Concert will take place at Windsor Castle. Produced, staged and broadcast live by the BBC and BBC Studios, the Coronation Concert will bring global music icons and contemporary stars together in celebration of the historic occasion.

The Coronation Big Lunch
Neighbours and communities across the United Kingdom are invited to share food and fun together at Coronation Big Lunches on Sunday 7th May 2023, in a nationwide act of celebration and friendship. From a cup of tea with a neighbour to a street party, a Coronation Big Lunch brings the celebrations to your neighbourhood and is a great way to get to know your community a little better.

Monday 8th May
The Big Help Out
The Big Help Out will be held on Monday, 8th May 2023 and is being organised by The Together Coalition and a wide range of partners such as The Scouts, the Royal Voluntary Service and faith groups from across the United Kingdom. The Big Help Out will highlight the positive impact volunteering has on communities across the nation.

https://www.royal.uk/coronation-weekend

https://www.edenprojectcommunities.com

Following a recent meeting between Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council and Wain Homes Severn Valley Ltd, the council received a written offer from Wain Homes Severn Valley Ltd on the 26th January 2023, about the transfer of ownership of the Country Park on Brynards Hill to Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council.

At the Full Council meeting on Thursday 9th February 2023, the offer was discussed and the Council confirmed interest in taking ownership of the Country Park.

The Council made it very clear that any discussions or agreement about the Country Park with Wain Homes Severn Valley Ltd does not indicate any support to the ongoing planning application for further development on part of that site, and the appeal process with Wiltshire Council that starts on the 28th March 2023.

The Council agreed to delegate authority to Chief Officer, Mark Hopkins, to progress discussions with Wain Homes Severn Valley Ltd and agree Heads of Terms with a view to a decision at a future Full Council meeting, which is anticipated to be once the outcome of the appeal process is known.

At the Full Council meeting of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council on Thursday 9th February 2023, the Council approved a new Climate and Environmental Policy, the working group change of name to Climate and Ecological Emergency Advisory Group, together with an updated terms of reference.

The policy recognises that the Town Council must act on the causes and impacts of climate change, accepts that it needs to work with the community to develop and implement actions that are effective and achievable in reducing and mitigating the environment and ecological effects of climate change.

The Climate and Ecological Emergency Advisory Group is made of Councillors, officers and community groups working together to assist and advise on climate and environmental matters affecting the town.

Please see notice below

Residents can view the Agendas and Appendices for the meetings on the Council Meetings calendar found on the home page.

PRESS RELEASE

At the Full Council meeting of Royal Wootton Bassett Town Council on Thursday 9th February 2023, the Council approved a proposal for the replacement memorial at Marlowe Way, where the Poppy was previously.

The proposal agreed is for two “Tommy” figures to be installed on the plinth – the Council thanked all the members of the Forever Poppy Group for their hard work and determination to help deliver a suitable installation that reflects the original purpose of this memorial in our town.

In 2021, the Full Council approved the Forever Poppy Group, made up of local residents, to look at a replacement for the Poppy, and to start the fundraising process.

This followed a particularly difficult time for the town after the collapse of the original installation, that for whatever reason set resident against resident, with unnecessary exchanges on social media verging on trolling, leading to this becoming a toxic and unpleasant issue within our town.

The Council have now asked our Chief Officer, Mark Hopkins, to work with the Forever Poppy Group and the Grounds Team on the next steps, to agree a timescale and ensure the figures are installed correctly.

Will everyone like the new installation, or agree with the decision made, or feel this is the end of the matter, of course not. But, we have received a very kind offer for the new installation, the community group behind this have worked hard to get to this point, supported by residents, and we would ask that people are respectful with future comments and views.

We look forward to seeing the work completed, and something for residents and visitors to enjoy.

For more information on this press release please contact Mark Hopkins, Town Clerk on 01793 850222.

The meeting of the Revenue and Resources meeting scheduled for Thursday 2nd March 2023 has been CANCELLED.

Please see notice below

Residents can view the Agendas and Appendices for the meetings on the Council Meetings calendar found on the home page.

Philip Wilkinson OBE, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon is looking for public support to increase the precept for 2023/2024, to ensure Wiltshire Police have the necessary resources to fight and prevent crime.

Residents are encouraged to fill out a survey with your response.

South West Enterprise Fund Grants – open for applications: